Holiday Kisses

“I don’t get it, either.” Xander shrugged. “But apparently once you’re here, you’re part of the family.”

“Like a tourist mafia.”

“Something like that. Which reminds me, they’re having a bonfire Friday night on the beach. Supposed to be some big holiday tradition to kick off the festivities. You want to go?” The whir of the milk shake machine echoed in the diner.

“Maybe.” Alethea shrugged. “Can we play it by ear? I should start making a list of things to ask Mr. Corwin. I mean, cooking lessons with a TV chef? Who gets that?”

“Today, you do.” Xander sat back and watched Alethea start to type notes into her phone, the haze of sadness and depression finally lifting.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Abby popped up behind her as Calliope stared into the full-length mirror. “I chose a color I thought would represent both the season and the bridesmaid. Did I do okay? I thought this went with your beautiful amethyst eyes.”

Calliope smoothed her hands on the front of the soft silk cascading down her body in a rich shade of indigo. Tiny jeweled accents in the shape of butterflies dotted the modest bodice and edges of the sleeves, which floated down to her fingers. The tapered hem added an unusual but unique look to a dress that could not have been more her.

“It’s exquisite, Abby.”

“You shocked Calliope.” Paige grinned over at them as she struggled into her own more form-fitting, floor-skimming gown, which was the color of primrose. “We should have known you wouldn’t sic ugly bridesmaids gowns on us.”

“Lori?” Abby turned toward her long-time friend and assistant manager. “Oh, no. Lori, what’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” She abandoned Calliope and rushed over to the seamstress, who’d stopped hemming and looked up in alarm, pins pinched between her lips.

“It’s beautiful,” Lori whispered. “I’m beautiful.” She blinked and a tear went racing down her cheek. “The color, the cut. I never imagined...” Lori trailed off with a laugh. “I’m sorry. I just never expected...this.”

Calliope helped the seamstress stand and silently nodded for her to give them a few minutes. Lori Bradley was beautiful. She always had been, but she’d spent so many years defining herself by her weight, that she’d never truly believed it. Not until she saw herself through Matt Knight’s eyes. And finally, through her own.

“I bet you feel pretty silly arguing with me over being a bridesmaid now,” Abby teased.

“Abby can always find a way to say ‘I told you’ so without actually saying it,” Holly said from her seat on the sofa. The women had taken over one of the three suites in the Flutterby, designating it wedding central for the days leading up to the Christmas Eve wedding.

“I thought the green was perfect for you.” Abby walked around and fluffed Lori’s shoulder-length brown hair. “Not that neon green, but a winter garden green. Like holly.”

“Like Holly what?” Holly asked as she sipped a flute of sparkling cider.

“Very funny.” Abby stuck her tongue out at her best friend. “You good to go? I know it’s not traditional, having a long skirt and separate top, but...”

“Elastic waistband.” Holly pointed to her belly, currently encased in a rich shade of garnet. “I’m more than good. Other than we’re out of cider.”

“How about some herbal tea?” Calliope rubbed a hand down Lori’s arm as the other woman continued to stare, dumbfounded, in the mirror. “You do know Matt’s going to drop to his knees when he sees you in this,” Calliope whispered to Lori.

“Matt drops to his knees when she walks in the door,” Abby teased. “We should all be so lucky.”

“I am.” Holly and Paige spoke at the same time. The laughter that followed nicked a tiny hole in Calliope’s heart.

“I’ll go get that tea,” she offered. “And send Ramona back in to finish with the hems.”

“Send Charlie and Stella in, will you?” Abby called behind her. “Might as well get us all done at once.”